Went to watch this today.


Not a bad movie. I found the concept quite interesting. It's essentially a tale of survival in the face of adversity, or in this case, vicious mutants.

The story takes place largely in the year 2012, with frequent flashbacks to 3 years before when it all began. Using the altered measles virus, scientists had carried out clinical trials on people afflicted with cancer. Initial results were promising, with those treated recovering completely. However, things took a turn for the worse when the patients suddenly showcased symptoms akin to rabies.

And naturally, all hell breaks loose.

Will Smith (aka Dr Neville) ends up as the only survivor completely immune to the airborne and contact forms of the virus. As such, he is the only person left in an abanonded NYC, long sealed from the rest of the world to contain the spread of the contagion. The others have all been turned into mutants, who in turn hunt each other. Since they are sensitive to UV rays, the mutants come out only at night, so Neville only comes out to stock up on supplies during the day.

It's quite fascinating how he leads a double life. In the day, he tries to cope with his solitude while clinging to the hope that there are survivors out there like him. At night, he seals his doors and windows, turns out the light, and huddles at home with his dog, Sam, as strange howls and shrieks are heard outside.

Being a scientist, he also kidnaps mutants and carries out clinical trials on them to find a cure. The search obsesses him, and he vows not to leave the area until he comes up with something.

Of course all things change when he meets a survivor... and so on and so forth.

I found the first half of the show quite fascinating, and surreal. However, come the second half, things start to get a bit typical. Despite its shortcomings, I find the movie as a whole worth watching. The psychological drama of the main character and others who eventually succumb to the virus is rivetting to watch. I especially remember the scene when NYC is being sealed off and people are rushing to be saved. One woman, her eyes bleeding and complexion pale (being infected), beckons to Neville in the hopes that he can take away her baby for evacuation.

He can't... and she is never seen again.